As we roll through the preseason, let’s go back and check out how the Cincinnati Bengals’ draft picks fared in their second preseason game against the Washington Redskins.
TE Drew Sample – B
Sample had more of an opportunity against the Redskins and looked more comfortable blocking and running routes. He even found the end zone late in the first quarter. All in all, a better performance than his first game.
LB Germaine Pratt – C
After a solid preseason opener, it felt pretty so-so for Pratt against the Redskins. He looked good against the run but still needs work defending the pass and dropping into coverage. That will come, as Pratt will stick around. Being a third-round pick gives him an advantage. The Bengals aren’t going to give up on him so easily, with how high of a pick they invested.
QB Ryan Finley – C+
Finley was the second quarterback in the game after Andy Dalton played two series in the first quarter. His first drive was as good as you can ask for, as he led the Bengals down to the field for a touchdown. The next drive was a three-and-out. Things could have been a lot worse for Finley. Whether it was just his turn in the rotation to back up Dalton is one thing, but for being with the second team for the first time, he wasn’t bad, just like against the Chiefs.
OG Michael Jordan – B
Jordan actually found himself getting the start at left guard after earning first-team reps in practice after the Chiefs game. He looked much better than last week. Jordan is beginning to make a case to be the starting left guard Week 1 at Seattle.
DT Renell Wren – B
Wren saw his first significant playing time this preseason and he showed flashes of the freakish athleticism he showcased at Arizona State. Wren can work his way into the defensive tackle rotation and clog up lanes in the middle of the field.
RB Trayveon Williams – INC
Williams injured his foot during the first quarter against Washington and is now out for the rest of the preseason. It will be interesting what the future holds for Williams, as rookie Jordan Ellis continued to look good carrying the football and Quinton Flowers got extra looks with Williams out.
LB Deshaun Davis – C
Another week, another game where Davis just seemed to be out there. Nothing flashy at all and it would not be surprising at this point if Davis is among the final roster cuts.
CB Jordan Brown – C
Brown looked to get burnt on one deep play but nearly came away with an interception. The receiver came away with the ball but was called for pass interference on the play. Other than that, nothing major from Brown who just seems to be buried on the depth chart at the moment.
